Community

Tonight is my last night for the Community of Women group that has been going for almost a year.  It has really been incredible, everything I’ve dreamed about.  A group of women who come together to learn, share, laugh … especially to laugh.  We are taking a break for the summer, but will start again in the fall.  Building a community is so important and you can do it in small and simple ways.  

As part of my treatment for breast cancer, I had to do 6 weeks of daily radiation.  Ugh… it didn’t hurt exactly, but it was tiring and sort of depressing.  I always stopped at Chick-filet for a diet coke on my way home.  In the first week, a young worker asked me how my day was going.  I know the expected answer I should have given was “great” or “fine”, but instead  I told him the truth.  This young guy was so sweet.  He gave me some encouragement and sent me on my way.  The next morning, he had my order ready for me, along with another quick hello. We went on like this for six weeks.  He was there most of the time and although our interaction was brief, it meant a lot to have him cheering me on.  Community is everywhere.  

I’ve thought about that interaction, as well as the many communities that I’m a part of, and what they bring to my life.  People need people.  Life is better with each other.  How does your community of people shape you? Challenge you?  Support you?  Just something to think about.

Thanks for being my people. You really are the best.